Emirates ID. What is this and how to obtain it?

The population of UAE is constantly growing due to large influx of people. Those who stay in the country are considered its residents. The rights of such people are very close to the rights of local Emirati people, but the identification documents differ. Those, who moved to the country have to have Emirates ID. Emirates ID was introduced, by the UAE government, in 2006. The main reason was to ease life for migrants from other countries. Nowadays, Emirates ID is a mandatory document that has to be obtained by everyone, who wishes to live and work in the county for long period of time. Emirates ID is considered as so-called passport of residents. Adults and kids should have one. The only difference is that kids below 15 years old should not have fingerprints.

What is Emirates ID?

Emirates ID is an identification plastic card with installed chip that serves as main identification document. Even though UAE citizens (Emirati) have UAE passport, still they are obliged to have an Emirates ID as well, since 2012. It is important to carry Emirates ID with you as it is number one documents that confirms your identity. Whether you want to update your mobile plan, exchange the money or make a certain purchase, your Emirates ID will be required.

What personal information Emirates ID contains?

– Unique identification number
– Full name
– Fingerprint
– The number of a health insurance policy (applicable in some emirates)

Why Emirates ID is so important?

Emirates ID contains all needed personal information. It eases life in UAE as upon any registration process you don’t need to have a file full of documents. Emirates ID is required to complete the following:

• Open a bank account;
• Request for the loan;
• Obtain driving license;
• Children registration in kindergarten / school;
• Car registration or rental;
• Long-tern rent of the apartment
• Payment of utility bills;
• Purchase or a sim card;
• Travelling.

Obtaining Emirates ID will be handy for those is travelling frequently. If you have an Emirates ID, you can go through check-in process very fast. All you need is to scan your Emirates ID and your fingerprint to enter landing area. Travelling was never easier.

How to obtain Emirates ID?

The process of obtaining Emirates ID, for non-residents is quite straightforward. If students or company employees apply for the Emirates ID, an employer or authorized person from a university has to submit required documents. The process takes approximately few weeks. Once this stage is done, the person who requires an Emirates ID has to go through medical examination and biometrics (retinal scan of the eye and fingerprints).
If a real estate investor wishes to obtain an Emirates ID, he can apply himself or seek help from an agent of Al Hayat Almushreqa. These are the details of the process:

– Application, to obtain Emirates ID, can be submitted online, via https://dldcube.com/. It is important to check whether a person is eligible for applying or not, as there is a number of requirements that has to be met. Those who never came across this process might have difficulties, initially.

– Once you applied for the Emirates ID and did needed payments, you will receive a confirmation message with the details of your medical appointment. The next step is to visit one of the Emirates Identification Authority (EIDA) centers. You will do your fingerprints and take a photo for your Emirates ID, in this center.

Regarding medical examination, the most important tests that conducts are HIV and X-ray to determine presence of tuberculosis.

Once all procedures are done, you will receive Emirates ID within 10 working days. It will be delivered to your mentioned address. If you are staying at the hotel, it can be delivered to any hotel, as well. Note that you can track the readiness of your Emirates ID online, through an online portal, or through SMS messages that will be send on every process completion. Once an applicant received an Emirates ID, he can be a sponsor for his kids or wife.

Note that medical examination is an important part of obtaining Emirates ID. In case of an HIV positive applicant, test results will be shared with the authorities and the person will be deported from the country, immediately. In case of a tuberculosis, an applicant will get 1 year Emirates ID and compulsory treatment will be assigned.

Validity of Emirates ID

As any document, Emirates ID has its expiration. It can be issued for 1, 2, 5 or even 10 years, based on the type of visa an applicant applied for. Emirates ID has to be renewed prior its expiration day (preferably 30 days). If an Emirates ID holder fails to do so, he will have to pay fine of AED 20 ($6) for each day until he renews his ID.

Renewal of Emirates ID has the same process as obtaining it. You have to apply for the ID renewal, go through medical and report to the center at the appointed time. The list of documents, that has to be presented, slightly changes here. You have to have:

• Passport with valid visa;
• Current Emirates ID;
• Medical results.

Cost of Emirates ID

Despite Emirates ID is an important document, it can’t be issued free of cost. To go through medical and to do needed tests will cost you AED 320 ($90). The cost of the ID issuing, its registration will depend on the center you chose and duration of the Emirates ID.
Normally, employer cover Emirates ID expenses of his employees. Depending on the designation cost may be AED 6,500 ($1,780). When it comes to Emirates ID for real estate investors, the cost will vary based on the time span of the ID – 2, -5, or 10 years.

Lost Emirates ID

No one is safe from losing Emirates ID. In case of losing Emirates ID its owner has to contact the center that issued it, and request for the new Emirates ID. Once new ID issued, the old one will be cancelled. There is no need to go through medical, in this case. Newly issued Emirates ID will have the same expiration as the lost one as it is linked to the valid visa.

Changes in Emirates ID and its cancelation

If holder of Emirates ID has any personal changes, these changes have to be applied through application of Federal Authority Identity and Citizenship – ICP. Note some changes could be done online, for some cases personal visit to immigration hapinness centers can be required.

In case you are planning to leave UAE for long time, or for good, resident has to cancel Emirates ID and visa. If it is not done, visa and Emirates ID obtaining, in the future, might be problematic or even impossible.

Business ID in the UAE

For those residents who started business in UAE, while registering a company they have to obtain Trade License. This license is issued to conduct business in UAE. Terms and Conditions of obtaining Trade License depend on certain factors, such as: business activity, emirate business is registered in and whether it is registered in a free zone or mainland.

Kindly note that if your purpose of visiting UAE is to invest in property or open your business, you can contact one of the agents of Al Hayat Almushreqa. We will be able to choose the right property for you and assist in opening a company in UAE. Contact us today to get all up-to-date information that will only benefit you.